Section B · Page 10
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, March 3, 1999
Scuba diving classes send students to study underwater
By Sam Huss Special to the Kansan
Jeff Halloran slipped black fins over his feet and pulled a clear mask over his face.
Then, after receiving a thumbs-up from instructor Jim Jackson, he submerged beneath the water.
But Halloran was not surrounded by brightly colored fish in an electric blue ocean. He was in a chlorinated 85-degree pool at Mask-Snorkel-Fln.1301 east 25th St.
Halloran said he had a passion for adventure and was drawn immediately to a Mask-Snorkel-Fin advertisement.
Halloran, Topeka senior, is one of about 60 KU students taking scuba lessons at Mask-Snorkel-Fin this winter so they can explore lakes and oceans during the summer.
Jackson, the store's owner, said Mask-Snorkel-Fin was the only business in Lawrence that offered scuba lessons. He said he thought that was because he didn't believe there were any pool facilities large enough for scuba practice. Jackson initially tried to rent a pool, but there were no pools in town that suited his needs. So he built his own pool at a cost of more than $400,000.
The University of Kansas also offers a scuba diving class in Robinson Center that is worth two hours of credit. Mask-Snorkel-Fhi supplies the equipment for the class.
During the week, George Lottes teaches the
course. Lottes is the director of program coordination for Health, Sports and Exercise Sciences. On the weekend, an instructor from Mask-
Sporkel-Elin teaches the course.
Jackson said that his students appreciated exercise and that scuba diving was a tremendous aerobic workout.
He also said there was a higher level of environ mental awareness among students who like to explore the water wilderness.
Cindy Riley, Bethany senior, said more people enjoyed scuba diving in the ocean than in freshwater.
"I am definitely spoiled since diving in the Bahamas." Riley said.
She said she could spot a bass in fresh water with her flashlight and pet it like a dog. But Riley said in saltwater there could be 300 brightly colored fish in the area the size of a table top and the water was brilliantly blue.
Mask-Snorkel-Fin offers an introductory free session called Discover Scuba. At this session, Jackson provides a wet suit, this, mask, weight belt, buoyancy vest, air tank and regulator, and a short instructional presentation. The store's most popular and inexpensive program, it lasts for three weeks. Students are expected to attend two three-hour sessions each week for three weeks. The classes and books range from $200-$250. Students interested may call 749-0500 for more information.
Illustration by Kyle Ramsey
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